Eynsham to get new Park and Ride on A40

Oxfordshire County Council has announced it is seeking approval to submit a full and final business plan to the Department for Transport now new funding has been secured for the 850-space facility in Eynsham.

The plans form part of the Science Transit (ST2) scheme for the A40.

The project was awarded a provisional allocation of £35 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, its goal to improve connectivity and encourage a shift to more sustainable forms of travel.

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Yvonne Constance, the county council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “The plans are to accelerate aspects of the ST2 scheme as part of a comprehensive range of schemes the council is developing to enable a sustainable and green economy, especially as the county recovers from the pandemic.

“This scheme will help deliver real and positive impacts on the lives of local people.

“It will allow residents to adopt environmentally responsible forms of travel with a particular emphasis on bus transit, as well as a much-improved cycling and walking infrastructure.

“The ST2 and Housing Infrastructure Fund 2 (HIF 2) schemes for the A40 will offer people a rapid means of travel along the route which with the combined benefits of cleaner air, active travel and reduced congestion.”

Yvonne Constance, cabinet member for the environment

The core parts of the scheme also include an eastbound bus lane on the A40 from Eynsham roundabout to a point immediately west of the bridge over the Duke’s Cut canal, and enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure.

The council said ST2 will provide a congestion-free route into Oxford from the west and to the new science park planned for West Oxfordshire.

It is the latest in a series of plans to invest over £600 million in Oxfordshire’s infrastructure over the next four years.

Last month, the county council announced that preparation work west of the Wolvercote roundabout, including vegetation clearance and the creation of a small temporary compound, would start this month.

The compound will be used while widening of the road to offer improved cycle and footpaths as well as bus lanes, takes place from February to late 2021.